Judgment

During conversation last week the question over the imagery of “Judgment” raised its frightful head. Specifically, the inquiry was concerning Luke 12:57-59 which can be read as a figurative story concerning the immediacy and reality of “Judgment”. As the discussion evolved a number of folks volunteered their own imaginings of this unknown scene.

- Large movie screens playing the good and bad of one’s life while family and friends look on: roped off entry ways into a quasi courtroom setting: position in a single file line ranging from a specified third to standing behind countless millions of souls awaiting their turn with God: and even one description of Jesus as a 6 foot 2 inch 190 pound presence sporting a large white robe and sandals - All scenes tangible to the one speaking their image -

There are many images that, at least for the individual, assist in the digestion of such thoughts as judgment, pending eternal fire, and loss of the influence of God.

So, to add to the mix here is a thought I had just yesterday concerning the “Judgment”:


The Father – Son metaphor seems to touch me the most:

Samuel had been commissioned to clean up the playroom. And by clean up, I mean he was given three specific tasks that he possessed the ability to perform, nothing more, as I being his father am well aware that he is not up to the cleansing of the entire room.

Samuel was to pick up his crayons, his cars, as well as his puzzles. They where to be replaced to their assigned position. A task he is well equipped to handle. Occasionally, Samuel would come running up to me and announce that he had completed the task.

I would then question if he was sure he was ready for the inspection or for the case of comparison, was he ready for the “Judgment”. After confirmation that a spanking would be the result of failure, he would run back to his business at hand. (I realize this tactic is for an entirely different entry, however, I do threaten punishment and recourse does follow if I am not pleased)
So after a number of false alarms by Samuel – we begin the walk. Hand in hand I escorted him through the house, down the hall, and into the playroom. Samuel walked cautiously and with a silence that is not of his true character. (I believe he feared punishment)

As we approached the crayons, they where indeed placed in the appropriate box and snapped shut.

Approved.

As we approached Samuel’s collection of cars, they where also placed within the basket where they typically reside.

Approved.

But as we walked to the shelf where the puzzles should have been there was a shortage of quantity. A few puzzles had made it, however a number of other pieces lie docile on the floor. I questioned Samuel concerning his incomplete job. Allowed him to respond. Then reached down to raise him into an embrace.

“I love you, good job.” Approved.


I realize this illustration is incomplete at best as I have omitted the “Substitutionary Atonement” of Jesus Christ leaving a “Just God” as well as a merciful one, but my point here is the mercy, my point here is the love.

I love my son, he performed his assigned task well, although incomplete. And although he and I both knew the “Spanking” was real - mercy was given and love was received.

This may reflect at least a partial glimpse of “Judgment”. With painful awareness of all our evils, we will present our goods and realize quite profoundly they are not anywhere near enough. We may even feel horrible guilt and remorse. But once tested our increased elation found when Jesus steps up and takes our Hell will be phenomenal.

When Jesus reaches down to raise us up into his embrace we will at last be within his unity of love. Mear audible words of “I love you, good job.” will pale in comparison to his glory.

I cannot wait. I run toward the call of God in Christ Jesus. I yearn for the divine embrace. I know my pain and inadequacy will be tested with fire; but how sweet will be the precious gift of grace. How wonderful to be in the arms of Love.